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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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FeathersnFluff Feeling depressed because I can't see my Granchildren
  • replies: 31

I have posted in the Family issues section before and received a lot of support which was very appreciated. My problem now is my DIL who my son in separated from has filed a protection order on me where I temporarily can't see my two Grandsons. I att... View more

I have posted in the Family issues section before and received a lot of support which was very appreciated. My problem now is my DIL who my son in separated from has filed a protection order on me where I temporarily can't see my two Grandsons. I attended Court a couple of days ago and i am fighting the charges with a very good Solicitor. I have lodged my Afadavit and my Solicitor is confident that I will come out on top as it is in his words to the Judge 'a vixacous and malicous attempt to get even with my son through me " The hearing isn't until the 29th of April and I just feel miserable all the time. All I want to do is sleep and hope when I wake up everything will be different. How do I pull myself out of this blue funk I'm in. I can't get in to see a Psychologist until 17 March.

OfangBur I'm a newbee, wanted to chat but online not working atm
  • replies: 4

I am just a bit ( a lot ) down right now I must be out of my rent house by first week in Nov, I have had a month and a half of rejections after rejections and no real estate would tell me what I was doing wrong,, till today I finally got one to answe... View more

I am just a bit ( a lot ) down right now I must be out of my rent house by first week in Nov, I have had a month and a half of rejections after rejections and no real estate would tell me what I was doing wrong,, till today I finally got one to answer me.... I have 8 children and with only 2 weeks to find a place I'm told home owners don't want a family of 10 in their homes... I am so deflated and have been feeling like doing something bad, I am so worried for my kids ,, my youngest is 4months. A few years ago we went homeless for almost a year and i promised my kids it would never happen again.... I feel like crying as I can see it coming again. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to keep a roof over our heads?

JamesS Was offered a job... then it was taken away
  • replies: 5

It's been a hard few days. After a nine month application process for an ideal job, I was offered and then subsequently told that I was ultimately ineligible. Am mostly feeling just distraught, as it was my dream job and I would have been given job s... View more

It's been a hard few days. After a nine month application process for an ideal job, I was offered and then subsequently told that I was ultimately ineligible. Am mostly feeling just distraught, as it was my dream job and I would have been given job security in a time I really needed it. Now I have no job and no income... trying to always find the bright side in life.

broken___down WHY AM I IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT?!
  • replies: 6

Hi all, let me start off by saying I believe there is a virus in the community. Like most viruses, it has a far more tragic outcome on the elderly & those with underlying health issues. Nothing new there I'm sure you'll agree?! Onto my issue. If you'... View more

Hi all, let me start off by saying I believe there is a virus in the community. Like most viruses, it has a far more tragic outcome on the elderly & those with underlying health issues. Nothing new there I'm sure you'll agree?! Onto my issue. If you're like me, you're totally beyond being over this current Lockdown! From being laid off mid May due to a lack of flights -I worked airside-to having more & more of my freedoms taken away & therefor, even the most basic of enjoyable pursuits also evaporating! Like everyone, I'm stuck at home, not permitted to legally move outside a 5km radius from home & when I do, risking a $1600 fine! For what?! What crime have I committed?! The crime of attempting to hold on to my sanity, to relieve stress & tension that's built up & clear my mind & refocus! Basically, to keep the Black Dog on his leash & find a reason to wake up tomorrow morning! I know under the State of Emergency Laws the state says I'm a law breaker but am I really? I derive immense pleasure from jumping on my motorcycle & heading off for a ride. Not to visit anyone, not to cafes, restaurants or pubs, just ride! Heading off along the Great Ocean Rd, with no time limit or a real destination in mind isn't everyone's cup of tea granted but it's mine! It's always cleared my head, ridding me of overbearing thoughts of dread & depression. And now, through no fault of my own, this has been taken away by the state! I've not had Covid-19 I don't know anyone who has I'm not in the demographic that's high risk So why am I in solitary confinement? Isn't that a punishment handed out to convicted criminals, already found guilty of a crime & in prison! In Victoria apparently not, it's imposed upon it's citizens in the city & surrounding suburbs! Why can't I head off for a ride, on my own & find the peace, serenity & head clearing enjoyment I long for?! Why are people not at high risk being locked at home, their outdoor activities limited to 2hrs & a 5km radius of their home?! I need to clear my head To get away from the same scenery I've had for the last few months I need to get out for a decent ride, by myself!!

Hope4tomorrow Recent incredible dealings with Centrelink in regards to my application for a DSP
  • replies: 3

I've applied for a disability support pension after recently being diagnosed (unoficially), two of them by the main hospital in my city, and one by my Clinical Psychologist. It's been a 20 year wait for me to be stable enough to trust the mental heal... View more

I've applied for a disability support pension after recently being diagnosed (unoficially), two of them by the main hospital in my city, and one by my Clinical Psychologist. It's been a 20 year wait for me to be stable enough to trust the mental health profession (I've been seeing my C psych for three years now). I was told I'd get a phone call at 2pm for my appointment for my JCA today, and at 2:07pm I get a call that's ended before I'd even known that it rang. So naturally I'm perplexed; I call Centrelink who advise me that the interview was conducted and that the results are that I need counselling (and something else that I misheard due to the stress and confusion). I'm thinking at the time "but how is this possible, I didn't get to speak to someone. Then put on hold whilst she investigated... 15 minutes later I get hung up on whilst on hold. I then make an official complaint using the term "corruption in My DSP application process" ( too much back info to post about why I believe there's more bias (then usual) and the content is probably not appropriate). I'm told that in some circumstances, they can do the JCA assessment WITHOUT SPEAKING TO THE CONSUMER. How is that legal let alone possible. So I then said, if they were planning on doing my JCA assessment without my input (not sure how it's legal as I've already said), then why crank call me for a split second at 2:07pm... she was speechless for a bit. She clearly didn't know what to say. She then said "I'm sorry you've been treated like this", and I could tell that she was close to tears in what I'd shared with her about myself and my issues throughout this bureaucratic nonsense in applying for a DSP, when they've been collecting a paper trail of my life for their records since I was 18. The call ended with her raising the complaint officially, which was nice at least. Centrelink and the department of human services have lowered their bar of transparency, and respect for their consumers as they preach we do the same in return... to an all time low. They conducted the interview with me locked out so to speak which is the complete opposite of what they advised me they would do. why tell me about my upcoming assessment appointment if they had no intentions of actually giving me the interview. what an utterly broken system. luckily I have an advocate who'll also fight for me as soon as I get the official rejection confirmation. it's left me feeling pretty gutted to be honest. 3 wasn't enough? lmao.

George_K CFS Question
  • replies: 2

Hi Everyone I know this is the wrong forum to ask this but I was hoping some kind soul might be able to point me in the right direction. Are there any Australian forums that deal with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS?). I've seen there are a few threads... View more

Hi Everyone I know this is the wrong forum to ask this but I was hoping some kind soul might be able to point me in the right direction. Are there any Australian forums that deal with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS?). I've seen there are a few threads here on Beyond Blue about it, but they're mostly older threads, and dealing with crossover. While I am dealing with some degree of depression\anxiety\stress\whatever, it's the CFS itself that's the primary problem and I'm curious if there are any support options. My GP is good, but after battling CFS for going on a decade, Centrelink basically saying work or prove disability (how does one prove CFS and degree of incapcitation?), and me feeling quite physically and mentally lethargic at present, I thought I ought to look around for options. Hope this is all coherent. Any and all suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.

gloria10 Having a tough time
  • replies: 2

Hi, It has been a while since I've been on Beyond Blue. I felt for a while I was managing things okay, but depression has recently returned. I've been dealing with a bit as I've recently lost my dad, so I feel I've needed to be extra support for mum.... View more

Hi, It has been a while since I've been on Beyond Blue. I felt for a while I was managing things okay, but depression has recently returned. I've been dealing with a bit as I've recently lost my dad, so I feel I've needed to be extra support for mum. She is doing better now so I think it's an emotional release and I can finally take care of myself. It got to the better of me last week after an interview when they criticized my work history as I've had a lot of short contracts (some of that due to Anxiety and Depression affecting my work). I have improved with my last contract and was able to last for the whole length, which I was happy with, but after the interview, I felt completely knocked down and like it was all for nothing. I was just so surprised that it hit me so hard, I don't normally let people get to me like that. I'm just wondering if anyone has dealt with this sort of thing before and how did you bounce back? I'm just finding it hard to get back into job hunting now. Gloria10

Tired Mumma Depression during illness
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I’m new here and want to share what I’m experiencing in the hope someone out there can offer advice. Ive suffered depression previously & know enough to realise it is creeping back to haunt me at present. Ive recently been diagnosed with chro... View more

Hi all, I’m new here and want to share what I’m experiencing in the hope someone out there can offer advice. Ive suffered depression previously & know enough to realise it is creeping back to haunt me at present. Ive recently been diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis/ inflammation of the gall bladder. I have endured 2 years of symptoms & a myriad of tests to get to this point. Other health issues have been discovered along the way, diverticula disease, hiatus hernia, ovarian cyst All of these issues have similar symptoms of varying degree, hence the difficulties with diagnosis. Now I am awaiting surgery in the public health system. Could be up to a 12 mnth wait they say. My condition will worsen over time & possibly affect my liver function, but it’s not classified an emergency. I cannot eat, barely tolerating smoothies & juice only. I have no energy, I’m constantly tired, no motivation, can’t sleep well, can’t exercise due to pain, don’t want to leave the house, none of my clothes beyond pjs fit my ever growing abdomen & I’ve little $ to shop new ones, I have varying pain all day every day & I don’t want to rely on 24hr pain meds which will add to the death of my liver among other things. My house is a shit storm, I cannot will myself to make decisions let alone do anything. I can literally sit in a spot all day & do nothing. I’ve tried reading, podcasts, movies etc now I’m bored with everything & don’t want to. I look at the 3 wk old dirty dishes everyday & quickly turn away & shut it out. Same with the smell in the fridge. I shower once a week . My dr isn’t helping. I’m too tired to find another. Sorry for the mile long thread

DoubleB BPD
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with BPD. Ever since my diagnosis I feel so much worse. I feel crazy. I No longer socialise as I am scared of how I will react if something is said to me or something happens out of my control. I have a supportive h... View more

Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with BPD. Ever since my diagnosis I feel so much worse. I feel crazy. I No longer socialise as I am scared of how I will react if something is said to me or something happens out of my control. I have a supportive husband but I have ruined most of my other relationships. I overreact and then no one likes me and I am too scared to return. I have had a decent job for 4 years now but this week have had an argument with someone and feel as though my response has ruined that too. I feel as though I should be institutionalised so that I don’t ruin everyone else’s lives around me. Why can’t I just let things go and react like everyone else? When will I learn my lesson? I feel as though I have no hope. I have a few odd friends but I just wonder how long it will take for me to ruin those relationships too.

Blind_and_in_pain Nighttimes
  • replies: 1

It has been a while since I posted. Of a day I am normal, happy. but of a night I break down into tears and can't figure out what is wrong with me at all

It has been a while since I posted. Of a day I am normal, happy. but of a night I break down into tears and can't figure out what is wrong with me at all

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